Franklin Wine Festival

NASHVILLE, TN (May 24, 2011) –The Preview Party for the seventh annual Franklin Wine Festival, presented by Cool Springs Wines and Spirits and supported by Nissan, was held last week at the Events @ 1418 venue in Nashville. Guests enjoyed a preview tasting of several different appetizers and corresponding vintages, including a dessert sampling matched with dessert wines and cocktails. This event is a prelude to the Grand Tasting that will be held Friday, October 21 at the Factory at Franklin.

The Preview also served as an introduction of the new “King and Queen of the Vines” competition that will be held in association with this year’s Grand Tasting. Interested men and women will apply as candidates in the personal philanthropic and fund-raising contest that will end in a “King” and “Queen” being named during the Grand Tasting that will preside over the festivities. For more information or to nominate a candidate, visit FranklinWineFestival.com.

The Franklin Wine Festival Grand Tasting celebration of food and wine also includes live entertainment on two stages throughout the Factory, a silent and live auction, and delicious samplings of more than 300 wines and culinary tastings from 30 Middle Tennessee area restaurants and caterers. Advance tickets are $75, and are available at www.FranklinWineFestival.com. If available, tickets sold at the door will be $85 each.

Companies who are interested in becoming more involved in the Franklin Wine Festival can also visit the event website to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

The funds raised by the Franklin Wine Festival events will be used to serve more children with a mentor throughout Middle Tennessee through Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. Children with a mentor make a better, safer choice which in turn reduces crime, improves graduation rates, and lays the groundwork for an overall economic benefit to the Middle Tennessee community.

The organization depends on investors to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety, and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. In 2010, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee served 2,812 children in 2010 with a mentor.

For more information on the Franklin Wine Festival, visit www.FranklinWineFestival.com. For more information, visit www.mentorakid.org or call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (615) 329-9191.